Climate change can sometimes seem like cause for future generations, but we've been seeing big changes in our weather—and it doesn't appear like it's slowing down. For those of you living in North America, Europe, and Asia, this summer's weather may not be ideal.

According to a new study led by scientists at MIT, climate change is going to cause stronger thunderstorms and more stagnant air this summer in the northern hemisphere. Yep, that means summertime is going to be stuffy and stormy.

This all stems from the rising temperatures in the Arctic, which is shifting the energy in the atmosphere. This new energy pattern gives more power to thunderstorms and less to milder weather systems that bring in wind and rain. If you live in a city, this could mean more days with poorer air quality as the wind and rain mitigate pollution and move air.

"Moving beyond air quality in cities, you have the potential for more destructive thunderstorms and more stagnant days with perhaps longer-lasting heat waves," said the author of the study, Charles Gertler, a graduate student at MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences in a statement.

Further research is needed to determine how these trends could affect other regions around the world, but this is enough to have us concerned. Besides more extreme weather, climate change could have negative impacts on our physical and mental health, making it even more important for each of us to play our part in a solution.

It can be daunting to know where to begin, and that's why you don't have to go at it alone. Consider calling or writing a letter to government officials in your area explaining why you care about this issue. Ask them how they are taking action and what you can do to get involved. This is a small act that could connect you with like-minded individuals in your area and make a serious impact.